Bald hedgehog has regrown its spines and is ready to be released back into the wild

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A hedgehog who was found almost completely bald from a severe ringworm infection is to be released back into the wild.

The Scottish SPCA, who have a base in Hamilton, cared for Ratty after he arrived at the charity in November 2019, weighing just 324g and missing fur and spines.

After care and support from the dedicated wildlife team, Ratty’s weight has nearly tripled to 940g and all his fur and spines have returned.

Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre wildlife assistant Claire Powell said: “We’re delighted with the progress Ratty has made during his time with us.

“He spent some time in a room in the centre to build body condition then for the past two weeks he has been outside in an aviary going from strength to strength while we waited for more spines to grow in.

Ratty was almost completely bald..

Ratty was almost completely bald..

“It’s great that he’s ready to go back to the wild, especially as it’s Hedgehog Day on February 2. Although it could be argued that every day is hedgehog day here!”

If anyone finds a wild animal that is injured or distressed they should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Ratty is just one of around 1000 hedgehogs admitted to the Scottish SPCA National Wildlife Rescue Centre between September and December 2019. At the peak of admissions in December 2019 the centre was going through an average of 100 tins of food a day to care for them.

If you’d like to donate, please visit www.scottishspca.org/support/donate.